More than 150 people showed their support for making the dream of a dog park in south Bryan County become a reality by attending the Bryan County Bark Park’s fundraising wine and cheese tasting April 25 at Marker 107 Restaurant.

With the contributions made at the event, the initial target of $10,000 has been achieved. The money will enable the fencing work to begin to enclose the 1.5 acres in Henderson Park, allocated by the Bryan County Commissioners in April, as soon as the clearing and land preparation by the county is completed.

Money was raised through the generosity of the many local businesses and residents who not only provided the venue and beverages but also bought tickets for the event, donated prizes and auction items, bought raffle tickets and bid on the silent and live auctions.

“We are thrilled by the success of our wine and cheese fundraiser and I want to thank everybody in our community who participated. Special thanks must go to Marker 107, Jeff’s Beverage, National Distributing and Southern Eagle Distributing as well as our hard working board: Lesley Francis, Aimee Harris, Jane Honnor, Jean Iaderosa, Karen Stack and Kim Stefan,” said Wendy Bolton, president of the Bryan County Bark Park.

Bolton continued by adding that last week’s event was just the beginning for the group in its hopes of making a dog playground a reality.

“While we had a tremendous result through our fundraiser which allows us to start construction, there are many other items required to complete the park and our contract with the county is based on the understanding that they will provide basic maintenance and that additional insurance and upkeep will be indemnified by the Bryan County Bark Park,” she said.

The Bryan County Bark Park backers are now asking residents to celebrate the lives of beloved family members — canine or human — or dedicate a memorial to a beloved pet that has passed away by purchasing a range of items available for sponsorship starting at $25, including memorial bricks, fire hydrants and benches. All of these items are available for individual, family, or corporate sponsorship and can be personalized; donations in kind are also welcomed.